Since 2008, Washington has allowed small-scale distillers to sell and offer samples of their spirits if at least half the ingredients were sourced in WA. Now with I-1183, beginning March 1, Washington’s small distilleries are able to self-distribute to local restaurants and bars. The Seattle area is filled with great distilleries. Here are some of our favorites.

Bainbridge Organic Distillers prides itself on distilling pure, organic Washington grain into the state’s first USDA Certified organic vodka, gin and whiskey. A short ferry ride from downtown Seattle, the distillery offers a tasting room where you can sample their Bainbridge Legacy Organic Vodka, Bainbridge Heritage Organic Doug Fir Gin and Bainbridge Battle Point Organic Whiskey. Their newest creation, The Green Gin, has a green tint from whole organic botanicals. Use it to toast your St. Patrick’s Day party!

Mischief’s handcrafted vodka, gin and whiskey is made from organic, heirloom grains from Whidbey Island’s Ebey Road Farms. Everyone is invited to stop into the tasting room, where you’ll actually see the distillery process in action, and those 21+ can taste its results. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.

Oola’s Pepper Vodka is getting some notice, by those who drop by for a taste, as well as Seattle Met Magazine. With newly crafted labels, and promises of more offerings in 2012 (like their own bourbon), the friendly folks at Oola Distillery would love to give you a tour and let you taste their vodkas and gin. Open Tuesday – Sunday.

Hailed by Sunset Magazine and Seattle Weekly, Sound Spirits in Ballard calls itself “Seattle’s First Distillery Since Prohibition”. Steven Stone, its founder and distiller, has created Ebb + Flow vodka and gin. Most recently, they have launched their own Aquavit and “Vow of Silence” Herbal Liqueur. Come in for a tasting, to make a purchase, or enjoy a tour. Open 7 days a week, beginning at 12:00pm.

Praised by Seattle Weekly, Sun Liquor is celebrating their one year anniversary on Saturday, March 31, 2012. Not only have they expanded to Sun Liquor Lounge at a second location (607 Summit Ave. E, Seattle), but they teach distillery classes for those who want to learn to make their own spirits. Click HERE for more information. Head distiller Erik Chapman is behind the bar regularly. Pop in and try his Sun Liquor creation – Hedge Trimmer gin.